Rediscovering the Roots of Black New Brunswickers-FR
Event Details:
The UNB Art Centre Celebrates Black History Month with a Special Exhibit, Rediscovering the Roots of Black New Brunswickers.
While Willie O’Ree and Meesha Brueggergosman may be household names, have you heard about Arthur St. George Richardson, Fred Hodges, or Betty Riley? Join us for a special celebration highlighting the lives and accomplishments of some of New Brunswick’s most outstanding Black citizens.
Rediscovering the Roots of Black New Brunswickers opens at the UNB Art Centre on February 21 at 5 p.m. and runs through March 27. The opening will feature poetry readings by UNB students Thandiwe McCarthy and Chevelle Malcolm.
The exhibition is part of a larger project to bring to light those Black New Brunswickers who have made a significant contribution to shaping contemporary New Brunswick in their fight for freedom and equality. In conjunction with the Bi-Campus Standing Committee on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights and the Black History Month Organizing Committee at UNB, the UNB Art Centre spearheaded a research project to uncover significant Black New Brunswickers and develop a poster project for display at UNB’s Student Union Building on the Fredericton campus and at UNB’s Saint John campus.
The exhibit and poster campaign features such notable New Brunswickers as Mary Matilda Winslow, who was UNB’s first Black female graduate in 1905, Ralph “Tiger” Thomas the godfather of amateur boxing in New Brunswick and co-founder of PRUDE (Pride of Race, Unity and Dignity through Education) in 1997, and Georgina Whetsel who ran such a successful ice business in Saint John at the turn of the century that she was considered the wealthiest Black woman in North America! Come and discover 25 other Black New Brunswickers who have made an indelible mark on this province’s history.
Throughout the month of February, the University of New Brunswick will present a number of informative films, lectures and events to highlight the historical and contemporary presence of Black Canadians in New Brunswick. More information about these events can be found at www.unb.ca.
The UNB Art Centre is located at Memorial Hall. The galleries are open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays and during special events. The galleries will be open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Admission is free to members of the public. Everyone welcome!
Building: Memorial Hall
Room Number: East and West Galleries
Contact:
Lori Quick
1 506 453 4623
lquick@unb.ca
